PROFILE
Born in New York in 1955. He began painting graffiti in New York in the 1970s, pioneering the scene with his abstract style. Since then, he has continued to collaborate with brands and artists around the world, bridging the worlds of art, street culture, and fashion. He is also known for his character, Pointman.
Instagram:@futuradosmil
PROFILE
A graphic artist born in 1987 in Osaka Prefecture. He is the founder of the projects Girls Don’t Cry and Wasted Youth, and the producer of his original characters, Vick and Visty. He is affiliated with VK DESIGN WORKS, a creative company he heads.
Instagram:@verdy
If NIGO® chose you, then you're already part of my family.
—First, please tell us how the two of you met and what your first impressions of each other were.
VERDY: We first met at an event called “HYPEFEST” in 2018. FUTURA happened to walk right past me, so I called out to him and asked him to take a picture with me. I think that was the first time. Do you remember?
FUTURA: Of course I remember. But I’d actually known about VERDY even before that. I’ve known NIGO® for a long time, and at one point, we were talking about VERDY. We were discussing how VERDY was handling the graphics for a collaboration with HUMAN MADE. That’s when I thought, “If NIGO® chose him, he’s practically part of my family.” After all, NIGO®—someone I deeply respect—had recognized him and was showing that connection. At the same time, I really felt that the next generation had arrived on the scene. VERDY is much younger than me, but I could tell right away that he was talented. After all, a piece of work speaks louder than words. Just by looking at what he creates, you can tell what kind of creator VERDY is. We’ve worked on several projects together since we met, and he’s still part of our circle of friends. I have a lot of respect for VERDY.
VERDY: For me, FUTURA is someone I’ve been seeing in magazines since I was a teenager, and he’s one of the artists I’ve always looked up to. Even the first time I spoke to him, he was so kind to me, wasn’t he? His work is always cool, and I really respect his attitude of talking openly and without prejudice to anyone, regardless of age. That’s how I want to be, too. Also, in interviews and talk shows like this, you often talk about “staying young at heart,” right? I really relate to that. That’s exactly how I want to be, too.
FUTURA: Thank you. I think we all share the same creative mindset. We use our own hands to create our work. VERDY is also a figurative artist who creates characters that are instantly recognizable. I think having a visual image that defines who you are is a common theme among artists today. Plus, although I can’t go into details yet, we’re already in the middle of discussing projects for 2027 and 2028. It’s amazing to be able to build the future of creativity together with friends like this. I’d be happy if the next generation found some inspiration by seeing how we interact—both as artists and as friends.
VERDY: That's so true. There's nothing better than being able to create something cool—something that will inspire the next generation—together with seniors who respect that kind of work.
